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Gremlins claws back onto screens, visits Cameo

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Tuesday, 02 December 2025
Written by Adam Taylor

23Get ready for a dose of festive mayhem as Gremlins (1984) returns to the Cameo for one special holiday screening on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. Few films capture both the magic and the madness of the holiday season quite like this cult classic: a film where snow falls, Christmas lights twinkle and adorable creatures turn into chaotic little monsters.
Directed by Joe Dante and produced by Steven Spielberg, Gremlins is a darkly funny blend of horror, comedy and Christmas charm that has become a beloved holiday tradition for audiences around the world. Written by Chris Columbus, who would later direct the first two Home Alone films and the first two Harry Potter films, the film strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and anarchy, reminding us that sometimes, the most memorable gifts come with unexpected consequences.
The story begins when a struggling inventor, Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton), stumbles upon a small, furry creature called a mogwai in a mysterious Chinatown shop. Hoping to find the perfect Christmas present for his son Billy (Zach Galligan), Rand brings the adorable creature home, naming it Gizmo. But this isn’t your average pet. The shopkeeper issues three strict rules: keep it out of bright light, don’t let it get wet and never, never feed it after midnight.
Of course, those rules don’t last long. One accidental splash of water leads to a surprising reproduction and before long, the peaceful town of Kingston Falls is besieged by mischievous gremlins wreaking havoc on Christmas Eve. From sabotaged traffic lights to a disastrous carol-singing scene, the chaos that follows is both terrifying and hilarious.
Gremlins became an instant hit when it was released in 1984, grossing over $200 million worldwide and redefining what a “holiday movie” could be. With its mischievous tone and groundbreaking creature effects by Chris Walas, the film walked the line between family adventure and fright-filled comedy. It also helped inspire the creation of the PG-13 rating, along with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, proving that even “family films” could deliver a good scare.
At its core, though, Gremlins remains a film about responsibility, compassion and the consequences of ignoring the rules. Gizmo’s gentle nature contrasts sharply with the chaos of his offspring, creating a surprisingly heartfelt story amid the destruction.
One of my favorite scenes is the scene with the mother in the kitchen, and who can forget Phoebe Cates' famous speech about Santa Claus? The movie theater scene is great, too.
Featuring a memorable cast including Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke and John Louie, along with unforgettable puppet performances that still hold up four decades later, Gremlins continues to enchant new generations. The film’s offbeat humor and holiday setting have cemented it as both a Christmas favorite and a timeless piece of ’80s cinema.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://www.cameoarthouse.com/special-events/

Celebrates A Dickens Holiday with screening at Cameo

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Written by Adam Taylor

24As downtown Fayetteville fills with the festive bustle of A Dickens Holiday, the Cameo Art House Theatre is inviting the community to take a step back in time to the earliest days of cinematic storytelling. On Friday, Nov. 28 at 11:30 a.m., the Cameo will offer a free drop-in screening of the 1910 silent short film A Christmas Carol, produced by the Edison Manufacturing Company. That’s right, by Thomas Edison.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the theater’s doors will remain open for guests to come and go freely while the film plays continuously throughout the hour. At just around 10 minutes in length, this century-old adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday tale serves as a rare glimpse into the origins of narrative filmmaking and the early artistic ambitions of American cinema.
Film historians often point to the 1910 A Christmas Carol as one of the earliest surviving screen interpretations of Dickens’ work. Created at a time when motion pictures were still an emerging art form, the short is notable for its hand-tinted visuals, theatrical staging and innovative use of early camera techniques.
Though brief, the film captures the essential spirit of Dickens’ novella: Ebenezer Scrooge’s chilling encounter with Jacob Marley’s ghost, his journey with the three spirits of Christmas and his eventual transformation from miser to benefactor. Its charm lies not only in its historical value but in its earnest and atmospheric retelling of a story that continues to resonate across generations.
The Cameo chose this short film specifically for its connection to the larger A Dickens Holiday celebrations taking place downtown. As downtown fills with Victorian costumes, holiday vendors, carolers and craftspeople, the theater’s offering becomes a warm and nostalgic complement to the day’s events.
Throughout A Dickens Holiday, guests at the theater can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One free small popcorn deal, making it easier than ever to share a classic movie treat with friends and family.
Whether staying the full hour or stopping in for a few minutes between downtown activities, visitors can enjoy a warm snack while absorbing the quiet charm of early silent cinema.
For many Fayetteville residents, the Cameo's popcorn offerings are as iconic as the films themselves. The BOGO promotion adds a fun, family-friendly incentive to swing by the theater, even for those who may have never experienced a silent film before.
Silent films, especially short subjects from the early 1900s, rarely receive theatrical showings in the modern era. The Cameo’s choice to present the 1910 A Christmas Carol underscores its continued commitment to film education, historical preservation and accessible arts programming.
While today’s audiences are accustomed to dazzling visual effects, surround sound and digital clarity, silent cinema invites a different experience, one grounded in atmosphere, imagination and the expressive power of gesture.
A Dickens Holiday has become one of Fayetteville’s most beloved annual traditions, drawing visitors with its mix of Victorian flair, community spirit and warm holiday nostalgia. The Cameo’s contribution offers an opportunity for locals and out-of-town guests alike to step inside a historic theater and immerse themselves in a different era.

Production of Sista Scrooge benefits cancer survivors

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Written by Lena Simmons

22aSista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is an event presented by Cruising Against Cancer. The play will be held at the Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University,1200 Murchison Road, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. The ticket prices are $39 and available at https://bit.ly/4pl9TYi. The proceeds from the live stage play support dream cruises for cancer survivors. Sponsors include Dynamik Works, RB Visions, and Creative Agency.
“Cruising Against Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to restoring hope and celebrating life through all-expense-paid vacation cruises and soul-nourishing experiences to cancer survivors, fighters, and their loved ones. Through the power of travel, storytelling, and the arts, we aim to create moments of peace and lasting memories through relaxation therapy, which goes beyond the diagnosis,” according to Cruising Against Cancer.
Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a live stage play about a chart-stopping diva with hits across pop, R&B, and gospel who hides a threatening secret while juggling fame, family, and her whispering demons: Pride, Lust, and Addiction. The Spirit of God breaks through, calling Sista to face the truth and fight for her life. Blending original music, faith, and drama, Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a holiday stage spectacular filled with soul, laughter, and hope.
“The story was written by me,” said organizer Rick Barber. “I wanted to do a Christmas production with a twist to the holiday classics, Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Carol. It’s designed to be something for the family.”
Rich Barber, Rick’s son, is the executive producer and did the music mixing for the show. The production also got help from Tanisha Stidwell, the recording engineer on the project, and Sam Stidwell, who is also the assistant director and an executive producer.
“All of the performers are phenomenal,” said Rick. “We have a cast of talented people who have grown into a cohesive unit, no, more like family. We enjoy rehearsals and they enjoy singing together, although they get jealous when I sing. (I can’t sing a lick).”
Performers include: Sheena Black as “Sista Scrooge,” the lead character; Dr. Arnescia Moody as “Momma Dee”; Ajahnah Lambert as “Peachie”; Sam Stidwell as “Mr. Willie”; LaSharal Amos-Blue as “Jackie”; Zack Ledwell as “Shine”; Van Barber and Shbetta Reid as the Prayer Sisters, ”Miriam and Elaine”; JR Matthews as “Deacon Smoove”; Charity Corner, Faith Stidwell, and Billy Mabddeen are the demons “Peni Pride, Lusi Lust, and Addie Addiction”; and Faith Brown as “Dena.”
“This is the second time this production has been performed. It was first done at Insoul Fellowship Church in the mid-2000s. And it took about two weeks to write. The storyline has drastically changed, and all original music has been added, so this version has taken close to a year,” said Rick
Rick hopes the play encourages people to look after their health.
“The most important things in life are faith in God, love for God and your family, and caring for your health. Cancer is nothing to play with. If you’re not feeling well, go and get examined. You know when you’re not feeling 100 percent. Men, get your annual check-ups to include a prostate exam. Ladies, do your self-exams and your annual exams also.”
Sista Scrooge: The Diva and Her Demons is a live stage production presented at Seabrook Auditorium. The proceeds from the stage play support Cruising Against Cancer. For more information and for tickets, visit https://sistascrooge.com/.

SHAZAM! CFRT brings back "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

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Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Written by Katie Herring

“The Herdmans were the worst kids in the whole history of the world.” Thus begins one of the longest-standing holiday traditions in Fayetteville: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Since 1991, Cape Fear Regional Theatre has produced this adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s book by the same name. The play brings to life the story of one church’s annual tradition gone awry when the neighborhood tough kids show up for the free cookies and stay for the pageant.
The show starts with an introduction to the Herdmans, the five siblings who wreak havoc on the fictional town:
“They lied and stole and smoked cigars (even the girls) and talked dirty and hit little kids.” After Mrs. Armstrong, the long-standing director of the church’s annual Christmas pageant, is put out of commission with a broken leg, Grace Bradley gets drafted to take over. On the day planning for the pageant begins, the Herdmans show up, curious about this event that is the subject of so much fascination. Chaos ensues as Christmas Eve draws near, and everyone waits to see what the Herdman kids will do next and if they will ruin the pageant.
This year’s cast is made up of about 160 kids, between the ages of 5 and 18. That number is divided into four groups of around 40 kids, each group identified by a different holiday-related flavor: Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, and Nutmeg. Joining the kids onstage are three grown-ups: Amber Dawn French as Mrs. Bradley, Matthew Jackson as Mr. Bradley, and Joyce Borum as Mrs. Armstrong.
As is the case each year, some of the young actors in BCPE, as the little show with the long title is often abbreviated, are seasoned veterans of the show. For example, Zoe Washington (14) plays Beth (the show’s narrator) in the Ginger cast, is in the show for the third time, though this is her first time in the role of Beth. Others, of course, are taking the stage for the first time, like Charlotte Bittner (9), also in the Ginger cast.
After years of watching her older brother onstage in the show, she decided it was high time that she joined the fun; Charlotte is part of an adorable herd of sheep in the pageant. Both young ladies expressed that, while rehearsals can be hectic, the whole experience is a lot of fun, and they enjoy being part of the antics onstage.
While the story, characters and dialogue are the same year after year, the show has undergone many evolutions over the years. This year marks the second year that the show will be onstage at 1707 Owen Drive, Cape Fear Regional’s home away from home, as their location on Hay Street is undergoing an extensive renovation.
The hotel ballroom-turned-theatre is a different configuration than the Hay Street theatre, with seating on three sides of the stage (an arrangement called a thrust). The arrangement of the audience creates a more intimate, up close and personal feel in which the audience feels as if they are part of the action.
The whole space at the Owen Drive theatre has been turned into a winter wonderland for this time of year.
Marketing Director Ashley Owen says, “It feels like you’re stepping into a snow globe.”
So, how does the same show keep selling out for 32 years running? In a word: tradition! The Fayetteville community loves a tradition, especially one at Christmas time. As Owen points out, BCPE is one of the tentpole holiday traditions in the Fayetteville area. For many people, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the Holly Day Fair, or the Singing Christmas Tree, or The Nutcracker; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a crucial part of the holiday season for many families.
Additionally, with such a long run of continuous productions, BCPE has become a multi-generational event. Parents have the unique experience of seeing their kids do the same show they did when they were younger, or they remember going to see it on a field trip in elementary school.
Whether you’ve never experienced The Best Christmas Pageant Ever or you’ve never missed a year, this year’s production is not to be missed. Don’t wait to buy tickets, though; at the time of printing, the opening weekend is nearly sold out, and the second weekend is sure to be, too. Tickets can be purchased at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233.

The Cameo presents "The Exorcist" at Fourth Friday Fright Night

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Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Written by Adam Taylor

21Just in time for the eerie season’s lingering chill, The Exorcist returns to the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre. Often hailed as one of the scariest films ever made, William Friedkin’s 1973 masterpiece remains as unnerving and powerful today as it was over fifty years ago. Now, audiences in downtown Fayetteville will get to experience it once more as part of the Cameo’s Fourth Friday Fright Night series.
A nightmare that changed cinema
When The Exorcist premiered in 1973, it didn’t just scare audiences; it shocked them. Reports from the time described moviegoers fainting, screaming and even fleeing the theater. Police were called to control crowds. Churches condemned it, and lines still wrapped around blocks. The film became more than a movie; it was a cultural event that blurred the line between entertainment and trauma.
Directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty (based on his own best-selling novel), The Exorcist tells the story of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil, a sweet Georgetown girl who suddenly begins exhibiting terrifying and inexplicable behavior. Her mother, played with desperate realism by Ellen Burstyn, seeks medical and psychological help. She tries everything until her last resort arrives, the Church. Enter Father Karras (Jason Miller), a young priest struggling with his faith and Father Merrin (Max von Sydow), an older exorcist who’s faced this evil before. What follows is one of the most harrowing confrontations ever depicted on film: the battle for a child’s soul.
The power of cinema and the devil’s details
What made The Exorcist different wasn’t just the subject matter; it was how seriously it treated it. Friedkin, fresh off the Oscar-winning The French Connection, approached the supernatural story with a documentary-like realism. He insisted on shooting on location, using cold breath effects, hidden sound cues and even extreme methods to elicit genuine reactions from his actors. The result was a film that felt disturbingly real, grounding the unholy in the ordinary. The ordinary home became a battleground between heaven and hell.
Blatty, whose novel was inspired by a 1949 case of alleged demonic possession in St. Louis, wanted to explore the question of faith in a skeptical age. The movie, for all its spinning heads and projectile vomit, is at its core about belief; both the loss and rediscovery of it. Father Karras, tormented by doubt and guilt, finds redemption not through theology, but through sacrifice. It’s a horror film that moves beyond fear into something deeply human.
Why The Exorcist still matters
In an era when horror films are often saturated with digital effects and quick scares, The Exorcist endures because it lingers. Its fear is psychological, spiritual and deeply personal. The film also broke barriers in Hollywood. It became the first horror film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards and earned ten nominations in total, winning two with Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound. Its success paved the way for a new era of “serious horror,” leading to films like The Omen, Alien and Hereditary.
And even fifty years later, The Exorcist continues to provoke discussion. Is it a story of possession or psychological collapse? A tale of faith rediscovered or the cruelty of the unknown?
Of course, part of The Exorcist’s mythology comes from its reputation as a “cursed” production. Fires destroyed sets, actors were injured and eerie coincidences haunted the cast and crew. Nine people associated with the film died during or soon after production. Whether one believes in curses or not, the stories have added to the film’s aura.
Even today, Friedkin’s direction feels dangerous, unflinching and completely committed. The crucifix scene, the levitation, the demonic voice (created by actress Mercedes McCambridge through whiskey and cigarettes). And yet, through all the sensationalism, there’s still heart, faith and sacrifice at the center of it all.
Fourth Friday Fright Night: where horror lives again?
The Cameo Art House Theatre has made a name for itself as Fayetteville’s home for great films—both new independent releases and classic revivals. Its Fourth Friday Fright Night series has become a beloved local tradition, giving moviegoers the rare opportunity to see the horror greats on the big screen. From Halloween to Psycho and The Shining, each screening is a celebration of cinema’s darker side. On Friday, Nov. 22, at 9:30 p.m., The Exorcist will take over the Cameo’s main auditorium. Patrons are encouraged to come early, grab popcorn and a soda or beer. Tickets and info can be found at www.cameoarthouse.com.

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